Not only does this damage the health of people at a local level, but on a global level each bonfire adds to the problem of soaring carbon levels and toxic pollutants in our atmosphere. This is an irresponsible message to be sending out to our children, the generation which is going to have to face up to the consequences of our actions.

It's time for us to relegate this tradition to history and realise that the health of our planet is more important than this.

After all, there is plenty of scope for less damaging celebrations to take place on the Twelfth, perhaps along the lines of 'March For a Better World For All'?